Oregon Coast Aquarium takes in, cares for lone sea otter, apparent shark-bite victim

NEWPORT, Ore. (KTVZ) — An injured sea otter -- an apparent shark bite victim -- that hauled ashore on Cobble Beach at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is now under assessment and care at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, officials said Wednesday.

The sea otter was observed hauled ashore by Chief Park Ranger Jay Moeller, who then alerted Oregon Coast Aquarium staff. After receiving authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, OCAq staff coordinated with Jim Rice of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network to retrieve the animal and transport it to the aquarium for triage and immediate care.

During retrieval, staff observed that the sea otter had limited mobility, poor fur quality, and multiple wounds. After it was transported to OCAq, staff determined the sea otter to be an adult male, weighing in at about 64 pounds. Staff noted he was emaciated; a sea otter of his size should weigh between 75 and 85 pounds.

While the sea otter was under anesthesia, staff were able to thoroughly examine the animal. It was determined he sustained lacerations and puncture wounds prior to hauling ashore, one of which was close to a vertebrae, likely causing his reduced mobility.

While the exact cause of the damage is unknown, the injuries are consistent with those of a shark bite, aquarium officials said.

The sea otter is currently being treated for infection, and husbandry and veterinary staff will continue to monitor the animal.

While he is alert and accepting food, his prognosis remains guarded. OCAq staff are limiting human interaction as much as possible in order to mitigate any stress to the sea otter and potentially prepare him for release.

“The next few days will be critical in his recovery path, and we hope to see his odds improve daily, but it is too early to predict this,” said OCAq’s Director of Husbandry Jim Burke. “Our veterinary and rehab staff will do all we can to act quickly, to improve his chances of release back into the wild.”

Staff prepare the injured sea otter for intubation

The Aquarium is one of three wildlife rehabilitation facilities in the Pacific Northwest, and the only one in Oregon, authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide specialized care to endangered marine life, including sea otters. To accommodate increased marine life rescue and improve conditions for ongoing care and rehabilitation, the aquarium plans to build a Marine Rehabilitation Center for animal husbandry and veterinary staff to provide critical care to injured or stranded marine wildlife.

Sea otters were extirpated from Oregon in the early 1900s, as they were hunted to support the fur industry. While there is no longer an established population off the Oregon coast, individuals from Washington populations have been spotted in Oregon waters. These individuals are typically males traveling along the coast in search of potential mates.

Over the past several weeks, a lone sea otter has been observed bobbing along the waves near the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. The injured sea otter is believed to be the same individual.

“This sea otter means a lot to many of us Oregonians,” said OCAq’s Curator of Marine Mammals Brittany Blades. “I never thought I would get to see a live sea otter living on the Oregon Coast until three weeks ago, when I saw this otter swimming, foraging and sleeping around Yaquina Head.”

If you see a sea otter in Oregon waters or on Oregon beaches, note its location and report it to the Oregon State Police Tipline at 800-452-7888, the Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 1-866-767-6114, or the Oregon Coast Aquarium at 541-867-3474.

About Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium creates unique and engaging experiences that connect you to the Oregon Coast and inspire ocean conservation. An accredited Association of Zoos & Aquariums institution, this 501(c)3 non-profit organization is ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. Visit us at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.